UPDATE: Pound man charged with attempted murder of Norton Chief of Police James Lane

A suspect with a lengthy criminal record in Wise County opened fire on Norton Police Chief James Lane Friday afternoon who was answering a shoplifting call from a retail area off Hawthorne Road.

Lane received serious wounds when he was shot by James Dyer Buckland of Pound. Preliminary details released by the Virginia State Police said Buckland walked up to the chief’s SUV and started shooting into the vehicle.

Buckland, 35, was reportedly wounded when the chief returned fire along with another Norton policeman who arrived on the scene. He is charged with attempted capital murder and weapon violations after warrants were secured by Commonwealth’s Attorney Chuck Slemp Friday night.

The police chief and Buckland were airlifted to a Tri-Cities hospital where they were treated for serious injuries. Slemp said Lane was in stable condition.

Court records show that Buckland’s criminal file dates back to 2008 including 12 probation violations this year and most recently a charge of fleeing from police in March.

Wise County Sheriff Grant Kilgore has worked with Lane for years given the close proximity to their offices just miles away. Kilgore said Lane is a constant professional and put his life in harm’s way on Friday for the good of the community.

“I remember when he was (an auxiliary officer for Wise County) even before he was sworn in as a law enforcement officer. Great guy all the way through (his career). Proud to know him, praying for him, and I wish him the best. He is a man of faith and I know he’ll come back better than before,” Kilgore said.

(IMAGES: K. Castle / SuperTalk 929 – Bristol Broadcasting Company / Wise County Sheriff’s Office)